IMdb - 7.4
Rotten Tomatoes (Critics) - 98% | (Audience) - 62%
Genre - Animation, Adventure, Superhero Noir
Network - Prime Video
Runtime - 22 to 26 minutes per episode
"Batman: Caped Crusader" debuted on Amazon Prime Video on August 1, 2024, with 10 episodes. The series is developed by Bruce Timm the head producer behind Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995), Superman: The Animated Series (1996–2000), The New Batman Adventures (1997–1999), Batman Beyond (1999–2001), Justice League (2001–2004), and Justice League Unlimited (2004–2006).With Matt Reeves (director of "The Batman" 2022) and J.J. Abrams as executive producers, I was excited and had high hopes for this show, and it did not disappoint.
Animation Style
I love the animation style used in this series. It's very similar to the classic "Ben 10" and "Scooby-Doo" TV shows. The animation style fits with the storyline they intend to follow. The dark atmosphere visuals capture the essences of Gotham City. The black and white opening credits and the tone of the theme song used effectively capture the dark and gritty atmosphere of the show.
Storyline
The story is set in Gotham City, however, the exact time period isn't specified. Judging by the technologies used in the show, it appears to be from the 1940s or 1950s. The main focus is on Gotham's corruption, especially within the police department. The show effectively portrays how some police are corrupt while a few others fight for justice. The mob runs the city with some cops on their payroll.
There are interesting changes to the origins of some of Batman's villains. We see a gender-swapped Penguin, a struggling actor Clayface, the jewelry thief Catwoman, a new take on Harley Quinn, and Harvey Dent's transformation into Two-Face. The writing is solid, and these unique takes on villains with mental issues are compelling. My two favorite characters are Harvey Dent, who is running for mayor and gradually transforming into Two-Face, and a new take on Harley Quinn. Characters like Commissioner Gordon, Barbara Gordon, and Renee Montoya, who fight for the city's good and justice, are given significant screen time.
I am never getting tired of seeing Batman as a detective, investigating and solving crimes, voiced excellently by Hamish Linklater. He did an excellent job voicing as the Caped crusader. The way he changes the tone of his voice for Batman and Bruce Wayne is satisfying to listen to. This Batman is still early in his career, cold especially to Alfred and still making mistakes. There is still space for character development for Batman in the coming seasons. His retro look is simpler, reminiscent of Batman's first appearance in "Detective Comics."
Though the episodes are structured in a "villain of the week" format, there are ongoing background stories building up. The series explores themes like a corrupt GCPD controlled by Mobs, a dark and dangerous Gotham city, origin stories of mentally unstable villains, and the few good individuals fighting for justice. These stories are woven with Batman investigating and fighting crimes, combining action and drama, which I find highly entertaining.
The season ends with a tease of Batman's most famous villain, making me eager for season 2.
"Batman: Caped Crusader" will not top " Batman: The Animated Series" and Kevin Conroy's performance. but this show reminds me a lot of it and I'd say it comes pretty close.
My Screen Times Score - 8
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